It was going to be my "prize pumpkin". The first to emerge in mid-summer, it grew rapidly. I was ecstatic. I was certain that, come September, it would be massive. Perhaps a record-breaker. Competition for Howard Dill's giants. I checked its progress daily. But then, it suddenly stopped. And it never started again. Never growing much beyond six inches. Never reaching its full pumpkin potential. I was dismayed. My dreams were shattered.
But now, as its green skin gives way to orange, I've come to terms with its small stature. Embraced it, even. It still holds a special place in my heart. And as long as the various neighbourhood pests don't destroy it, it will remain my prize pumpkin.